On Thursday Sue was wonderfully overwhelmed by demonstrations of love and care from three of her close Darwin 'girlfriends' - Pam, Elsha and Jenny.

Pam flew in from Townsville especially to see Sue before we flew out to Adelaide (OK, she was also coming back to see her husband and children, but the timing was in order to spend time with Sue!).  Elsha has been, and remains, faithful in making regular contact and weekly visits (and often brings something delicious to eat). Pam, Elsha and Sue are all in a period of significant transition (Pam and Elsha moving interstate permanently) and have been supporting each other in the inevitable 'untidiness' that comes with life's big changes.

Pam and Elsha dropped in on Sue in the morning and anointed each other with care, laughter and a recognition that there is grief for them all in the 'physical parting' that is underway.

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In the afternoon, Jenny dropped over. She brought with her a beautiful handmade quilt with a vibrant tropical theme and motifs. On the turquoise back panel, members of our church family had written messages of love and support. We nearly threw a spanner into that process by turning up to church last Sunday for the first time in ages!

Sue was overwhelmed by the gift and the expression of love and care that it represents. More than a few tears were shed as Sue recognized the labour of love demonstrated in each panel and stitch. We have brought the quilt away with us to 'show it off'. I suspect that as the weather cools off down here we may end up warming our knees with it at night. I am already warmed by the delicious irony of snuggling under a tropical quilt.....

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In reflecting upon these visits on Thursday, Sue referred to Pam, Elsha and Jenny as her 'Forever Friends'. I suspect that they may describe Sue the same way.....

[Next Time - The Week That Was #4: Come Fly With Me]